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The local gallery asked me to take some pics of my village for sale as cards. It's pushing me outside my comfort zone both in terms of being a commission and also semi-urban photography but I guess that's a good thing! This is one of them (breaking myself in gently, still haven't worked out how to shoot the buildings!). I think it has more impact as mono but yout opinions would be great thanks

Ooooh the mono is way better in my opinion . It's good to try new subjects it will ultimately make you a much better photographer. I know what Herman means but i would take the pics for yourself because thats how you got the job in the first place Nice work

Rod

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I had to laugh when you described this as semi-urban!! although I can see the hint of a building, plus a couple of benches and a safety ring! The mono is pretty good but I have to go with the colour, the blue tones are lovely and the red of the ring a perfect counter. I would take the images you like doing (and do so well) plus also the blue sky/sunny stuff.

Dave

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Superb comp and again that dramatic low POV that is becoming your signature, Al. Lovely range of tones in V1 but I think V2 wins by a whisker for me as it reminds me of the very early days of colour photography - wonderful subtle shades and I love the milky water movement in both.
Sylvia

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Good shot Al , mono works best for me , as usual the whole image smacks of quality and great technique , this is probably where I would spoil it but if I'd taken this I would have cloned out the bracket on the bridge and the signs / seats on the left bank . Don't think the tourist would mind these details being omitted , probably wrong on this just think it might make the scene a bit more post cardy , well done mate and be careful your never to far away from an orange . Kel

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I like these, both mono and colour work fine for me. I think I prefer the mood in the colour version though, kind of fits more in my eyes.

My only suggestion is to revisit the place, and try retaking the shot by including a bit more sky and little less foreground. Would have wished to see the tips of the all the trees here. Some have their top area cropped off and in my eyes this is a bit "off", so to speak. Would have rather had the top part of the image close off with just the sky. Given that you were on the widest focal length, it seems you opted to compose using the rule of thirds guideline of placing the horizon one-third down from the top, but I think here you would have gained more, compositionally, by placing it slightly lower and giving the sky the whole top part of the image and including the top-part of all the trees that were showing.

Regardless, I reiterate that I like this image and it's well taken irrespective of the above. I keep returning to your work and liking what I see. Keep it up!

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Thanks for taking the time to offer such a detailed critique Alistair. I plan to revisit (when the water level drops; the river is high with snowmelt at the moment) so will action your suggestions when I do

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